The scenes coming out of Ukraine have deeply moved countless people from around the world. Images of Ukrainians fleeing in the harsh winter cold, children and belongings in tow. Videos of people sheltering in underground Metro stations, attempting to protect their families from the bomb blasts and airstrikes above. These demonstrate the stark reality of how strongly your help and love is needed.
The needs are immense, critical and urgent. But what may not be so evident is the ripple effects our neighbors in Ukraine — many turned refugees overnight — will face beyond the immediate crisis.
Here are the top three challenges refugees face in the longer term — and how you can help.
Food security
Millions of people have fled Ukraine since the start of the violence, with hundreds of thousands more displaced within the country. Many were forced to leave with no notice, bringing only the clothing they wore on their backs.
Being a refugee means relying on the kindness of strangers for food, and meals are often skipped when there are no other options. This can be especially detrimental for still-developing young children. This concern can remain even after they have made their way to physical safety, without a regular source of food.
The flood of refugees to host communities puts pressure on food and other supplies there as well. Your generous love helps provide food and other critically needed items, including quilts and care kits to those who need it most.
Livelihoods
Those fleeing leave more than just their homes and material possessions behind them. They also leave their ways of life and the livelihoods that help sustain them. Conflict-driven emergencies ravage the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people each year.
Refugees often find themselves having to start over completely. Your support helps God’s love reach those who find themselves without the economic means to provide for their families in the long-term through livelihoods training and support.
Health care
Winter is in full effect in Ukraine. Children are shivering as they trudge through the snow next to their parents, hoping safety comes quickly. Temperatures are near or below freezing. Since the conflict escalated, many have been cut off from basic health care services.
Hospitals and health workers alike have been attacked, leaving behind only destruction and hopelessness. Families in crisis situations are prioritizing their safety over their health, ignoring urgent health needs until escaping from immediate danger.
Your gift can support our neighbors in Ukraine by providing medical supplies or support for emergency medical services.
How you can help
The conflict in Ukraine has put millions of people in danger. The needs of refugees will go beyond the immediate crisis, with ripple effects reaching into the longer-term. We need your support to reach every neighbor.
Our neighbors in Ukraine are suffering and they need your love now. Cash donations are of the utmost importance as the number one need for refugees on the move.
Families are leaving behind everything they own and fleeing for their safety. They need immediate aid including food, water, shelter, clothing and medical care.
Your emergency gift will help to deliver urgent support and care, like critically needed items for families who fled their homes, and medicine and supplies for clinics. It helps not only with the immediate needs for refugees, but also the longer-term challenges to come.
